We have updated our FAQ section. Check it out at the bottom of the page.

Helios is the first telepresence robot that is affordable, portable, and mobile.

What is Helios?

With Helios, your iPhone transforms into a mobile telepresence robot. By placing your iPhone 4, 4S, 5 or iTouch into the “seat” of Helios, your family, friends and colleagues can stay in touch like never before, operating the device remotely so that not only can they see you, they can move with you – back and forth, left and right, and tilting up and down.

Can’t make your kids sit in front of a laptop? Want to see the entireconference room? Want to spend time with those you love most?Helios allows you to interact in a way you never thought possible at anunbeatable price.

Using Helios is easy:

Simply install our iOS app on your device, unwrap Helios from its packaging, and you’ve got everything you need! Open the app on your device, place it in Helios’ seat, turn the device on and, voila – a mobile telepresence device! To control Helios remotely, all you need is a browser and an Internet connection. Whether you are down the hall or around the world, controlling Helios is simple. Want to share control? Anyone on this planet (or any other!) can ask to share Helios provided an Internet connection and browser.

How should I use Helios?

The Cool Technology:

Using a device you already own, our Helios mobile base and iOS app creates a telepresence device you’ll never want to put down (well, except when you want to use it). When communication is established between a remote individual and the mobile app, the video signal is transmitted between the remote end browser and the iPhone. The control signal for the robot is transmitted from a remote Internet browser to the device sitting in Helios through either a 3G/4G network or Wi-Fi. This signal is then translated into aseries of black and white squares, not viewable when your device isin Helios. These black and white patterns are then read by sensors inthe seat of Helios allowing for remote control without actually having toconnect the device to Helios. And just like that you can control Heliosremotely, moving it back and forth, left and right, and tilting your deviceup and down.

The SDK Support:

You’re interested in building on our platform? Look no further than our SDK Support. Helios hardware is based on Arduino Nano and we will provide you with the original Arduino Code. Using this, you can build in additional sensors, actuators, motors, servos, or whatever you can think of to empower Helios to do more actions. You can even build extra hardware like arms, necks or, for the adventurous, even propellers (check FAA rules and regulations first, of course).

Our SDK Support also includes our iOS API. Not only can you build newhardware for Helios, but you will also be able to build new apps for it!Now it can have both arms and a personality. Our SDK Support will be available to everyone once we start shipping.

Development Process and Manufacturing

We are currently on the third iteration of Helios. The first model was developed during the Spring 2012 hackathon at Princeton University. This version was built on a tracked platform by Robotshop and took first place in the hardware category of the hackathon. After some problems with the tracked moving parts, the second version of of Helios was built on the Boebot platform. As our development of the hardware continued, we created the third and current version with the help of SeeedStudio, one of the largest electronics manufacturers in China. The current version employs personal electronic circuits in addition to a completely new body design, manufactured through CNC and 3D plastic printing. For larger volumes, we will use injection molding for all plastic parts, which also allows for a glossier look. As outlined, the pricing tiers represent actual manufacturing quotes from SeeedStudio.

Our Plan:

About Me:

I have a Bachelor and Masters degree in Electrical and
Electronic Engineering from Cambridge University, UK, and another Masters degree
in Computer Science from Princeton University. I have worked on various projects
involving robotics, networks and artificial intelligence.

Want to know something else? Get in touch with us: founders@hellolabs.co

Special Thanks

Tigerlabs: Bert Navarrete, James Smits, Savraj Singh

Design: Moo Kim

Videomaker: Jared Flesher

Hardware: Colin Ho

Music: Josh Woodward

Risks and challenges

Luckily, the majority of our research and development is complete and we have functioning prototypes. On the manufacturing side, we have established a partnership with SeeedStudio, one of the largest electronics manufacturers in China. Through our development to date, partnership, and time frame going forward, we believe that we deliver a high quality product at an affordable price.

Rewards

$1 reward

Say hello to Helios! We'll permanently list you as a supporter on our website. Thank you for your support to realize our vision!

Estimated delivery:Oct 2012

You selected

$29 reward

4 backers

Get a Helios T-shirt! Keep up-to-date about Helios and the future of personal robotics! Free shipping to the USA (add $10 dollars for shipping to Canada and $15 for international shipping).

Estimated delivery:Nov 2012

You selected

$99 reward

87 backers
Limited (213 left of 300)

Early Adopters! Have a Helios offered at the lowest price you can ever find! Limited offers! The retail price is at $120. Free shipping to the USA (add $10 dollars for shipping to Canada and $15 for international shipping).

$120 reward

0 backers

Didn't have a chance to get the Early Adopter price or $10-off price? You can still get the standard white Helios! Start telepresence with your friends, family and colleagues! Free shipping to the USA (add $10 dollars for shipping to Canada and $15 for international shipping).

Estimated delivery:Feb 2013

You selected

$140 reward

1 backer
Limited (99 left of 100)

Customize your Helios with engraving! Have a Helios that is specially designed for you! Free shipping to the USA (add $10 dollars for shipping to Canada and $15 for international shipping).

Estimated delivery:Feb 2013

You selected

$198 reward

1 backer
All gone!

Get a pair of Helios! You can use it for you and your significant other! Great present for Valentine's!! Free shipping to the USA (add $10 dollars for shipping to Canada and $15 for international shipping).

Estimated delivery:Feb 2013

You selected

$220 reward

3 backers
All gone!

Personalize your pair of Helios! Choose your engraving! Let the love be unique and long-lasting! Free shipping to the USA (add $10 dollars for shipping to Canada and $15 for international shipping).

Estimated delivery:Feb 2013

You selected

$990 reward

1 backer
All gone!

Get a pack of 10! Great choice for a big family or an organization!

Estimated delivery:Feb 2013

Funding period

Sep 28, 2012 - Oct 28, 2012
(30 days)

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